Is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM the Best Art Lens on the Market?

Lenses Is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM the Best Art Lens on the Market?
May 4, 2015 Donald Scarinci 0Comment

Sigma has stepped up its game with the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens.

Arguably one of the best lof its kind on the market, the fast standard-length prime lens delivers outstanding images for every type of professional photography, including portrait photography, landscape photography, studio photography and street photography.

Is the Sigma 50mm F14 DG HSM the Best Art Lens on the Market

For Sigma fans, the new lens is a completely reengineered version of the existing Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM.

Below is a brief summary of the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art’s key features:

  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor
  • 13 elements in 8 groups
  • Three Special Low Dispersion Elements
  • Floating System & Large Diameter Design
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock
  • Weighs 1.79 lb (815 g)
  • Measures approx. 3.36 x 3.93″ (85.4 x 99.9 mm)

The most impressive features include the incorporation of both three Special Low Dispersion glass elements and one molded glass aspherical element, which deliver exceptional optics. Images are sharp and clear with minimal sagittal coma flare and chromatic aberrations. The lens also autofocuses quickly and smoothly thanks to the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM).

Released last year, the lens has received extremely positive reviews. In 2014, the lens was awarded DPReview’s Gold Award. According to the site, “It’s the best autofocus 50mm prime we’ve reviewed to date, with optics so good that we can’t really find anything to criticize.”

Practically speaking, the lens is compatible with most professional grade DSLRs, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha, and Sigma SA mounts. Sigma has developed special software (SIGMA Optimization Pro) that can update the lens firmware and adjust parameters such as focus and full-time manual focus function.

As expected, the lens is not cheap. However, it is a bargain compared to the Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4, which is arguably the top of the line. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens delivers stunning image quality and currently retails for $949.00 on Amazon.com.